The Complete Guide to Stone Crop

 

 

Table of Contents

 

- Introduction

- What are Stone Crops?

- Stone Crop Varieties

    - Sedum

        - Popular Sedum Species

        - Growing Sedum

    - Sempervivum

        - Common Sempervivum Varieties

        - Cultivating Sempervivum

    - Jovibarba

        - Popular Jovibarba Varieties

        - Growing Jovibarba

- How to Grow Stone Crops

    - Sun Exposure

    - Soil Requirements

    - Watering Needs

    - Propagating Stone Crops

- Using Stone Crops in Garden Design

    - As Groundcovers

    - In Rock Gardens

    - In Containers

- Caring for Stone Crops

    - Deadheading

    - Pruning

    - Pests and Diseases

- Benefits of Stone Crops

    - Drought Tolerance

    - Evergreen Foliage

    - Long Bloom Time 

- FAQs

- Conclusion

 

 Introduction

 

Stone crops, also referred to as sedums, are a highly diverse group of leaf succulents that add charm and visual interest to gardens around the world. These hardy perennials have a massive range spanning over 400 different stone crop species. 😲

 

With their colorful leaves, delicate flowers, and ability to thrive in challenging growing conditions, it's no wonder stone crops have become a beloved staple in landscapes today. These plants store water in their fleshy foliage which allows them to handle drought, heat, cold, and neglect.

 

In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover everything you need to know about growing, designing with, and caring for the varied members of the stone crop family. We'll look in-depth at popular stone crop varieties, their specific needs, and useful tips to help you succeed with these delightful succulents. Let's dive in and uncover the world of stone crops!

 

 What are Stone Crops?

 

Stone crops, also commonly called sedums, are a diverse group of leaf succulents in the Crassulaceae family. They are perennials that range widely in size, form, and foliage colors. The majority have thick, fleshy leaves that conserve water and plump up during ideal growing conditions.

 

These plants grow natively across the Northern Hemisphere in arid, rocky locations and areas with poor soil. Regions include west and east Asia, the Mediterranean, the Himalayas, North America, and Europe. Their native habitats left them well adapted to drought, extremes of temperature, and challenging environments.

 

The common name "stone crop" refers to their tendency to thrive in rocky crevices, old stone walls, terraces, and outcrops. Tough and tenacious, they're nature's perfect choice to colonize the harsh growing conditions of these areas.

 

Some signature traits that make stone crops so popular for gardens include:

 

- Succulent foliage - Fleshy, water-storing leaves come in a rainbow of colors, shapes, textures and patterns.

 

- Hardy nature - They withstand drought, heat, cold, wind, poor soil, and neglect once established.

 

- Long blooming - Flowering varieties produce delicate blooms for weeks to months from early summer into fall.

 

- Low maintenance - Require little care and are untroubled by most pests and diseases.

 

- Versatile - Thrive in beds, borders, rock gardens, walls, roof gardens, containers and indoor pots.

 

With basic care focused on their requirements, stone crops are easy to grow and offer remarkable versatility. Let's look more closely at the most common stone crop groups used in gardens.

 

 Stone Crop Varieties

 

The hundreds of species in the expansive stone crop family can be divided into 3 major types - sedum, sempervivum, and jovibarba. Here's an in-depth look at each group:

 

 Sedum

 

Sedums make up the bulk of stone crop varieties grown in gardens with over 400 species identified so far. They display incredible diversity in form, size, foliage, and growth habits:

 

 Popular Sedum Species

 

- Sedum spurium - A trailing stone crop with red stems and bronzy-green leaves that turn deep bronze in winter. Max height 2-4 inches.

 

- Sedum acre - A low, moss-like stone crop that forms a dense carpet of lime-green foliage. Grows up to 3 inches tall.

 

- Sedum tetractinum - A creeping stone crop with round green leaves edged in red. Grows to 4 inches tall.

 

- Sedum nussbaumerianum - An upright, clump-forming sedum that reaches up to 12 inches tall with unique coppery-orange colored foliage.

 

- Sedum reflexum - A trailing stone crop with blue-green foliage and clusters of bright yellow, star-shaped flowers in summer.

 

- Sedum rupestre - An evergreen, mat-forming sedum that remains under 3 inches tall. Has blue-green leaves and yellow summer blooms.

 

- Sedum spathulifolium - A common low-growing sedum that forms rosettes of blue-gray leaves. Bears yellow, starry flowers in spring. Grows 4-6 inches tall.

 

 Growing Sedum

 

- Light: Full sun is ideal for most sedums. At least 6 hours of direct sun per day.

 

- Soil: Well-draining soil is crucial. Amend clay soils with grit or compost to improve drainage.

 

- Water: Drought tolerant once established. Avoid overwatering.

 

- Zone: Varies by variety but most tolerate zones 3-9.

 

- Size: Ranges from 2-18 inches tall depending on species.

 

Sedum are highly variable but most require the same basic care focused on well-drained soil and full sun exposure. With these needs met, they're easy to grow!

 

 Sempervivum

 

Often called hen and chicks, sempervivums form tight rosettes of succulent leaves that proliferate through offsets. There are around 60 different species.

 

 Common Sempervivum Varieties

 

- Sempervivum tectorum - The classic hen and chicks with evergreen, red-tipped green leaves. Grows to 4-6 inches tall.

 

- Sempervivum arachnoideum - A unique cobwebbed hen and chicks covered in fine white hairs. Rosettes reach 4 inches wide.

 

- Sempervivum calcareum - Hen and chicks with overlapping gray-green leaves that end in rosy-pink tips. Remains under 3 inches tall.

 

- Sempervivum montanum - A low-growing hen and chicks that forms dark red-tipped green rosettes to 2 inches wide.

 

 Cultivating Sempervivum

 

- Light: Full sun to partial shade. Needs some midday shade in hot climates.

 

- Soil: Very fast drainage is key. Use sandy, gravelly soil.

 

- Water: Water deeply only when completely dry. Extremely drought tolerant.

 

- Zone: Most tolerate zones 3-8.

 

- Size: Typically form clusters under 6 inches tall.

 

Sempervivums need sharp drainage to avoid rot and absolutely thrive when provided with plenty of sun. Their tight rosettes spread slowly into mats.

 

 Jovibarba

 

Jovibarba stone crops grow in upright, clumping mounds with plump foliage. They reach taller heights than sedum and sempervivum.

 

 Popular Jovibarba Varieties

 

- Jovibarba globifera - Light green succulent foliage that produces upright purple flower stalks in summer. Grows 8-10 inches tall.

 

- Jovibarba heuffelii - Forms neat domed mounds to 6 inches wide of yellow-green rosettes flushed with red in winter. Has pink blooms.

 

- Jovibarba sobolifera - A clump-forming stone crop with rosettes of powdery, gray-green leaves. Bears yellow flowers in summer. Grows 6-8 inches tall.

 

 Growing Jovibarba

 

- Light: Full sun is required for best growth.

 

- Soil: Must have excellent drainage. Add grit to heavy soils.

 

- Water: Low water needs. Allow soil to dry between waterings.

 

- Zone: Most hardy in zones 4-9.

 

- Size: Typically reach 6-12 inches tall and wide.

 

Jovibarba need the same growing conditions as other stone crops - sun and free-draining soil. Their clumping habit makes a statement in beds, borders and containers.

 

With hundreds of species available, stone crops offer incredible diversity to gardens. Once you understand their basic needs, it's simple to find endless varieties to suit your landscape vision!

 

 How to Grow Stone Crops

 

Cultivating healthy stone crops is easy when you give them what they require. Here are some top tips for successfully growing these hardy succulents:

 

 Sun Exposure

 

Most species of stone crops need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. Full sun is ideal for the majority. Insufficient light leads to weak, floppy growth.

 

When choosing planting sites, select the sunniest spots in your garden that receive sunlight for large portions of the day. South or west-facing areas are perfect.

 

While a few varieties can tolerate partial shade, most will not grow well without ample sun. Poorly lit areas often result in rot and reduced flowering. Ensure your stone crops soak up the sun.

 

 Soil Requirements

 

Excellent drainage is by far the most crucial factor for growing healthy stone crops. Their roots quickly rot in wet, compacted soil. 

 

To create suitable growing conditions, work plenty of gravel, grit, or perlite into clay or loam garden soils to improve drainage. Or grow in raised beds filled with a very porous potting mix amended with added grit.

 

The ideal pH for stone crops falls between 6.0-7.5, though they tolerate more alkaline or acidic conditions. Test soil and amend as needed to reach the target range.

 

 Watering Needs

 

Once established, stone crops need infrequent, deep watering approximately once per week during the growing season. The key is allowing the soil to dry out thoroughly between waterings.

 

Reduce watering frequency in winter when plants are dormant. Avoid keeping the soil persistently wet, as stone crops dislike soggy feet.

 

Drought tolerant varieties like sedum and sempervivum need very little supplemental water once their root systems develop, even in dry climates. Overwatering encourages rot.

 

Always grow stone crops in fast-draining soil and containers with bottom drainage holes. This enables excess moisture to escape and keeps their roots healthy.

 

 Propagating Stone Crops

 

One of the easiest ways to acquire new stone crop plants is by taking stem cuttings. Simply cut a 3-4 inch stem below a leaf node and allow the cutting to callous over for several days before burying halfway in well-draining soil.

 

Many varieties also produce offsets or "chicks" that can be gently removed and potted up to grow new plants. Detach pups at the soil line and let callous before potting in appropriate soil mix.

 

Sectioning clumps is another propagation method. Dig up part of a mature clump, being sure to get roots attached, and replant the division elsewhere.

 

With proper care focused on their requirements, stone crops are simple to propagate and share with gardening friends!

 

 Using Stone Crops in Garden Design

 

A key benefit of stone crops is their versatility. These hardy plants enhance many different garden situations:

 

 As Groundcovers

 

Trailing and carpet-forming stone crop varieties make excellent drought tolerant groundcovers. They blanket areas with foliage that suppresses weeds.

 

Use low-growing sedums, sempervivums, and creeping jovibarbas to create living mulch carpets in hot, sunny areas like rock gardens and xeriscapes. They thrive with little care and stand up well to foot traffic.

 

 In Rock Gardens

 

Stone crops feel right at home tucked among the nooks and crevices of rock gardens and stone walls. Their succulent nature allows them to thrive in the well-drained terrain.

 

Let them trail gracefully along stone edges and crevices or plant rosette-forming sempervivums in the gaps between pavers and wall rocks.

 

 In Containers

 

The shallow root systems of most stone crops make them ideal candidates for growing in containers and planter boxes.

 

Use trailing sedums and sempervivums in hanging baskets, mixed succulent pots, vertical walls, fairy gardens, and hypertufa creations. Upright varieties like jovibarba create striking height.

 

Repot or divide stone crops when containers get crowded. Their low-maintenance nature keeps container plantings looking great.

 

 Caring for Stone Crops

 

Stone crops are some of the most low maintenance plants you can grow. They thrive on neglect once established! Just a bit of care will keep them looking their best:

 

 Deadheading

 

Remove spent flower heads from blooming stone crops by pinching or snipping off the flower stem after blooms fade. This neatens plants and encourages further flowering.

 

 Pruning

 

Trim stone crops by up to half their size in early spring to rejuvenate growth. Cutting back leggy plants promotes compact growth. 

 

Pruning or dividing overcrowded clumps helps maintain vigor and form. Discard any rotted portions promptly.

 

 Pests and Diseases

 

Stone crops are quite resistant to issues when grown in suitable conditions. Provide great drainage and air circulation to avoid problems.

 

Potential pests include aphids, scale, mealybugs and vine weevils. Pick off by hand or use insecticidal soap sprays. Remove diseased portions promptly.

 

With proper care focused on their requirements, you'll likely enjoy few problems with these hardy succulents.

 

 Benefits of Stone Crops

 

Beyond their beautiful diversity, stone crops provide numerous advantages that make them a top choice for gardens:

 

 Drought Tolerance

 

Once established in fast-draining soil, most stone crops are extremely drought resistant and need watering only once a week or less. Their succulent leaves retain moisture through dry periods.

 

This makes them ideal choices for xeriscapes, rock gardens, green roofs, and any site where water conservation is important. Let them thrive where other plants would wither and fade.

 

 Evergreen Foliage

 

A huge benefit of stone crops is their ability to maintain attractive leaves and foliage through all seasons in most climates. Even when not in bloom, they provide garden color and texture.

 

Evergreen sedums and sempervivums keep their leaves year round. Deciduous species take on brilliant fall tints before going dormant.

 

 Long Bloom Time

 

Flowering stone crop varieties produce delicate blooms for exceptionally long periods from early summer into fall. Some species flower for weeks on end, providing a steady floral display.

 

Their long bloom time coupled with the nectar-rich blossoms makes them magnets for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

 

With minimal needs, stone crops reward gardens with beauty, versatility and durability. Discover new ways to utilize their diverse forms and colors!

 

 FAQs

 

Have more questions about successfully growing and caring for stone crop? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

 

 Question 1: How much sun do stone crops need?

 

Answer: Most stone crops need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Full sun is ideal for the best growth and to maximize flowering. Provide the sunniest spot possible.

 

 Question 2: Should stone crop be brought indoors for winter?

 

Answer: Stone crops are winter hardy down to about -20°F (-29°C) depending on the variety, so they can remain outdoors year-round in most climates except for very cold regions. Provide winter protection like a cold frame in freezing zones.

 

 Question 3: How often should stone crop be watered?

 

Answer: Established stone crop only need infrequent watering, such as a deep soak once a week at most. Water less in winter. The key is fast-draining soil and allowing plants to dry out between waterings to prevent rot.

 

 Question 4: Why are my stone crop turning yellow and leggy?

 

Answer: Yellowing, stretched out growth is often a sign of insufficient sunlight. Move plants into brighter light. Pruning leggy growth in early spring can rejuvenate plants.

 

 Question 5: How do I propagate stone crop?

 

Answer: Stone crop are simple to propagate from cuttings and offsets. Take 3-4 inch stem cuttings or separate pups from the mother plant. Allow to callous for several days before rooting in soil.

 

 Question 6: Are stone crop deer resistant?

 

Answer: Yes, stone crops are rarely bothered by deer or other wildlife and make great choices for gardens prone to grazing damage. Their thick, waxy leaves are unappealing to animals.

 

 Question 7: How tall do stone crop grow?

 

Answer: It depends on the variety, but most stone crop reach 3-18 inches tall and wide when mature. Trailing varieties spread wider than their height while some upright types may reach 2 feet tall.

 

 Question 8: Do stone crop spread quickly?

 

Answer: Stone crop tend to grow at a moderate rate, spreading to fill in an area over a few seasons. Their growth rate can be controlled easily through pruning if they begin encroaching.

 

 Question 9: Can stone crop be grown indoors?

 

Answer: Yes, many stone crop varieties adapt well to container growing indoors on sunny windowsills. Provide ample sunlight and allow the soil to dry between waterings. Limit water in winter.

 

 Question 10: Do stone crop have any toxic properties?

 

Answer: Stone crop are considered non-toxic and safe to grow around children and pets. Some have edible leaves that can be eaten raw or cooked, but be sure you properly identify the exact species before ingesting.

 

 Conclusion

 

With their incredible diversity, hardy nature, and ease of care, it's no wonder stone crop have become a staple in gardens worldwide. These versatile succulents offer colorful, textured foliage, delightful blooms, and year-round visual interest. 🤩

 

By providing the basic care outlined here, anyone can enjoy growing and designing with these stunning plants. Incorporate trailing varieties as groundcovers, taller types in borders and containers, and tuck small rosettes into rock gardens.

 

Let stone crop become your new go-to choose for adding life and beauty to gardens even in tough conditions. Their endless charm and minimal upkeep ensure they'll be treasured additions for years to come!